Kathleen Ann McNeive (Zima) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in St. Marys, Kansas at the age of 92.

Kathleen was born at home in Emmett, Kansas, to Teresa B. and John C. Zima. She was one of five children: James (Teresa) Zima, Mary Teresa (Wayne) Ogle, John "Jackie" Zima, and Eileen (Kenny) Knipp; Eileen survives. Kathleen was a lifelong resident of Emmett until moving to St. Marys in 2010.

She attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from Emmett High School in 1952. Kathleen attended St. Mary College in Leavenworth before being united in marriage to Theodore "Ted" McNeive in 1953; he preceded her in death in 1990. Through her marriage, she gained beloved in-laws, Francis J. and Myrtle McNeive and sister-in-law, Teta (Bill) Dougherty; Teta survives.

Ted and Kathleen welcomed six children: Joleen (Tom) Arnhold, Ginnie (Stan) Harris, Daniel (Colleen) McNeive, Julie (Eric) Boone, Timothy McNeive, and Christie (Gary) Rabe; Daniel and his wife Colleen preceded her in death.

She was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Colleen, Kevin, Stephanie, Brian, Jill, Danny, Jared, Jessica, Ryan, Casey, and Katie Jo; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.

Kathleen was a devout Catholic. She was a longtime member of Holy Cross Parish in Emmett where she played the organ for many years. After moving to St. Marys, she became a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Whether it was sports, band, 4-H, school or a Church function, Kathleen was always there to support her children and grandchildren. She was a loving mother and enjoyed having her home filled with laughter and a family meal. She worked for over 20 years as a paraprofessional for USD 321. Kathleen also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She will always be remembered for her friendly, kind and caring nature. She will be dearly missed.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Friday, November 6th at Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. in St. Marys; a rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 7th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys with burial following in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Kathleen's memory may be made to either the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for the Stained Glass Window Restoration or to the St. Marys Historical Society and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.